Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

Isolation and Quantification of Epstein-Barr Virus from the P3HR1 Cell Line
Published on: September 28, 2022
[Epstein-Barr virus infection - life cycle, methods of diagnosis, associated diseases]
Joanna Bocian1, Danuta Januszkiewicz-Lewandowska
1Zakład Diagnostyki Medycznej, Poznań. asiabocian@wp.pl
Abstract:
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous virus that infects about 90–95% of the adult population. EBV establishes life-long latent persistence. The virus is found to be the major cause of infectious mononucleosis but it has also been associated with development of endemic Burkitt’s lymphoma. Result of EBV infection is the most common complication in patients after transplantation which is a post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease. Strong associations between EBV infection and Hodgkin’s lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, gastric carcinoma and carcinomas derived from smooth muscle tissue also exist. There is a hypothesis that there is an association between EBV infection and autoimmune and allergic diseases. EBV is a Herpesvirus family member; its genetic material has dsDNA form. There are two strains of EBV: A and B. The only host for EBV is human with target cells: B cells and epithelial cells. The life cycle of EBV consists of lytic and latent phases. In the latent phase three different patterns of gene expression are possible. Due to some circumstances EBV can undergo reactivation, which is an important issue in transplantology. The main methods of diagnosis of EBV infections are serological methods that detect certain specific antibodies and recently more popular molecular biological methods such as PCR or in situ hybridization.
Insights
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common herpesvirus, establishes lifelong infections and is linked to various cancers like Burkitt’s lymphoma and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease. Diagnosis relies on serological and molecular methods, with ongoing research exploring its role in autoimmune conditions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Context:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human herpesvirus infecting 90-95% of adults.
- EBV establishes lifelong latent persistence and is associated with infectious mononucleosis.
- The virus is implicated in several cancers, including Burkitt’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Purpose:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
- To highlight the clinical significance of EBV infections, particularly in post-transplant settings.
- To discuss the association of EBV with various malignancies and potential autoimmune diseases.
Summary:
- EBV, a dsDNA herpesvirus with two strains (A and B), targets human B cells and epithelial cells.
- Its life cycle includes lytic and latent phases with distinct gene expression patterns.
- Reactivation of EBV is a critical concern in transplant recipients, leading to post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease.
Impact:
- EBV infection is a major complication in transplant patients, necessitating careful monitoring.
- Strong associations exist between EBV and numerous cancers, underscoring its oncogenic potential.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the hypothesized link between EBV and autoimmune/allergic diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Herpes
Cytomegalovirus Disease
Genital Herpes
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence

